View this email in your browser - Edition September 2026 | | |
This month, you can register for an exclusive factory tour and upcoming shows, save 50% on PPAI Expo registration, apply for scholarships, catch up on important updates from around the industry, and help shape what comes next for NWPMA by taking our short member survey.
As always, thank you for your continued support. We’re so glad you’re here!
| | Promo Safari Gives: Let's Stock the Year | | Project 48 packs approximately 50 essential bags every month for foster youth ages 7 to 23 across four counties. They purchase roughly 85% of what goes into those bags. Every item our industry donates reduces what Project 48 must purchase, freeing more resources for the programs that support these young people. | | | | |
At Promo Safari Portland, our community donated 1,411 brand-new items to Project 48.
A huge thank you to the companies that contributed:
AAkron, AIM Smarter, Bag Makers, Color Graphics, ETS Express, Greater Pacific Industries, Hit Promo, HPG, Kaplan Sales & Marketing, Proper Print Source, Rach Incorporated, S&S Activewear, SanMar, and Sock101
Thank you for putting your products to purpose and showing what our industry can accomplish when we come together.
| | CURRENT PRIORITY: SWEATSHIRTS + JOGGERS | | |
By October 1, we are working to collect:
- 100 sweatshirts — NWPMA target
- 100 pairs of joggers — one month of need confirmed by Project 48
New and unused apparel in adult sizes XS–4X and youth sizes 4/5–14 is welcome. Classic neutral colors work best for adults, while youth items may be colorful or printed. Overstock, samples, discontinued styles, showroom stock and canceled orders may qualify.
Pledge your donation below or visit nwpma.org/promosafari for complete donation and shipping information.
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| | Go Behind the Scenes at iClick | | |
Join NWPMA for an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of iClick’s Seattle facility!
Meet the iClick team, explore the facility, and learn more about the capabilities and opportunities you can bring back to your clients. This is a unique chance to see iClick in action, ask questions, and connect directly with their team.
Wednesday, October 21, 2026
12:00–1:30 PM
iClick | Seattle, Washington
What to Expect
- Lunch provided onsite
- An interactive worksheet to help you capture ideas and inspiration throughout the tour
- Custom spec samples created especially for you to take home
Space is limited to 15 participants, so secure your spot today!
| | | PPAI Expo Registration Is Open—Eligible NWPMA Members Save 50%! | | |
PPAI EXPO 2027
January 11–14, 2027
Mandalay Bay Convention Center
Las Vegas, NV
NWPMA distributor members who are not PPAI members receive 50% off PPAI Expo registration—a savings of $125 when you register by December 3.
Email shay@nwpma.org to request the NWPMA discount code.
| | | Learn Your Way to Las Vegas — PPAI Advance Skills Challenge | | |
The PPAI Advance Skills Challenge is officially underway! Eligible U.S. PPAI members who complete at least 15 CEUs and earn 100% on the first attempt for each course or assignment could win two complimentary nights at Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino during The PPAI Expo 2027. Complete by November 16, 2026.
As an added benefit, PPAI will donate 20% of the published certification fee to PPEF for every certification completed during the challenge period.
| | | Save the dates for NWPMA's 2027 showcases: | | |
Win the Year Before it Begins. Strategic Planning that Turns Intentions into Results
September 30, 2026 | 9:30 AM PT
Most professionals wait until January to plan the new year. Cliff Quicksell will show attendees how starting earlier creates a competitive advantage and makes it possible to enter 2027 with clarity and momentum.
Learn how to evaluate the previous year, turn annual goals into measurable monthly and weekly actions, and build a strategic plan that is ready to put into motion before January arrives.
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Cliff Quicksell
Quicksell & Associates
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Jamie Lorenty
Lorenty Consulting, LLC
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The Growth Gap
October 13, 2026 | 9:30 AM PT
Jamie will focus on the gap between knowing and doing, what gets in the way of execution, and how to turn insight into more consistent action.
Participants will learn how to:
- Recognize the patterns and barriers that derail progress.
- Prioritize the behaviors and actions that have the greatest impact.
- Create practical strategies for stronger follow-through, accountability, and momentum.
| | Scholarship Applications Are Open! | | |
Through PPEF, NWPMA proudly offers the $1,250 “Keep the Dream Alive” Junior Hamilton Scholarship exclusively to eligible NWPMA members and their dependent children.
Applicants complete one PPEF scholarship application to be considered for the NWPMA award and any additional PPEF scholarships for which they qualify. Opportunities are available for high school seniors, current college and trade school students, industry-focused college juniors, and adult learners.
Apply by March 15, 2027, at 11:59 PM CT.
| | | Industry News & Resources | | |
Counselor Promo Campaign Awards
ASI’s 2026 Counselor Promo Campaign Awards recognized six standout campaigns that paired branded merchandise with creative storytelling, digital engagement and meaningful causes. Four of this year’s winning companies are NWPMA members:
Congratulations to these NWPMA members for demonstrating the creativity, strategy and impact of branded merchandise! See the Winning Campaigns
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ASB Raises $11,000 for Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre
American Solutions for Business raised $11,000 for the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre during its 2026 Summit in Whistler, BC. Contribution was made possible by Summit attendees and the entire ASB family.
| | | The donation will directly support the Centre’s Indigenous Youth Ambassador Program, which helps students build confidence, develop business skills, and gain valuable work experience. Read the Full Story | | |
Inside the $174 Billion U.S. Branded Merchandise Market
New research from PPAI and Oxford Economics estimates that U.S. spending on branded merchandise reached $174 billion in 2025, representing approximately 51% of branded merchandise spending worldwide. Explore the Research
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Welcome, Pacific North Press!
Based in central Portland, Pacific North Press is a full-service print shop specializing in screen printing, embroidery, DTF transfers, promotional products, stickers, and vinyl. What began as a husband-and-wife operation has grown into a team serving businesses, organizations, and creators throughout the Pacific Northwest.
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Your Membership. Your Voice.
NWPMA is here to serve our members. Renew today to stay connected and continue accessing savings, SAGE discounts, scholarships, education, networking, advocacy and more.
As the Board plans for 2027, take our short member survey and tell us what matters most to you.
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Looking for ways to help your brand stay visible? With flexible advertising opportunities available, NWPMA makes it easy to build recognition, connect with members in meaningful ways, and keep your company top-of-mind throughout the year.
Interested in learning more? Contact shay@nwpma.org
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